Two weeks of IF and gained three pounds - how?

[Anonymous]

I’m postpartum (second trimester miscarriage so no breastfeeding or sleeplessness), and I started intermittent fasting two weeks ago. 16:8. I do not gorge myself during my eating window (which is generally noon to 8 pm). I do not snack, I have a regular portioned lunch and dinner, and I will have dessert after dinner 3 times a week. Drink a couple white claws or glasses of wine a few times a week as well. I drink a ton of water during my fasting periods and am moderately active - walk between 1-3 miles a day and do some light weights a few times a week.

Why on earth would I gain three pounds while doing this? I am very hungry while fasting and thought it would count for something. It’s a bit depressing. Anyone BTDT or have any tips please?

[Anonymous]

IF is not for everyone. The people I know who have the most success with this also do very low carb or keto.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m postpartum (second trimester miscarriage so no breastfeeding or sleeplessness), and I started intermittent fasting two weeks ago. 16:8. I do not gorge myself during my eating window (which is generally noon to 8 pm). I do not snack, I have a regular portioned lunch and dinner, and I will have dessert after dinner 3 times a week. Drink a couple white claws or glasses of wine a few times a week as well. I drink a ton of water during my fasting periods and am moderately active - walk between 1-3 miles a day and do some light weights a few times a week.

Why on earth would I gain three pounds while doing this? I am very hungry while fasting and thought it would count for something. It’s a bit depressing. Anyone BTDT or have any tips please?

It is likely not 3 lbs of fat. Weight fluctuations are normal. How often do you weigh yourself? More is better to give you more data points so you can see past the normal fluctuations.

Even with IF calories count. In theory you should eat fewer calorie, but it's also really easy to eat over the range you should be eating in. IF is a weight loss tool, not magic.

Also keep hormones in mind. Postpartum hormones, even after a miscarriage, are no joke and could also be impacting things. Be gentle with yourself.

Sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

You are more calories in your window than you need. It is that simple.

[Anonymous]

Do you weigh yourself every day at the same time? I can easily gain or lose 3 lbs from one day to the next depending on what I've eaten and my hormonal state.

Sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I had a second trimester stillbirth, and for the first six months after my hormones were completely wacky, not sure why, but it took a while for things to level out.

I gained a lot for my abbreviated pregnancy due to bed rest. After the loss, I calorie tracked and started running, along with grief counseling, the running really helped me process things, feel good about myself again. I like IF but find it works best for me with calorie tracking.

Take care of yourself,

[Anonymous]

Why are you doing light weights? Get a personal trainer and educate yourself on proper exercise and nutrition. Then you'll stop with the fad dieting and have a truly healthy lifestyle.

[Anonymous]

Do you think your body is still a hormonal mess right now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m postpartum (second trimester miscarriage so no breastfeeding or sleeplessness), and I started intermittent fasting two weeks ago. 16:8. I do not gorge myself during my eating window (which is generally noon to 8 pm). I do not snack, I have a regular portioned lunch and dinner, and I will have dessert after dinner 3 times a week. Drink a couple white claws or glasses of wine a few times a week as well. I drink a ton of water during my fasting periods and am moderately active - walk between 1-3 miles a day and do some light weights a few times a week.

Why on earth would I gain three pounds while doing this? I am very hungry while fasting and thought it would count for something. It’s a bit depressing. Anyone BTDT or have any tips please?

OP - I'm really sorry for what you've recently gone through. I cannot imagine it, and am sending healing thoughts to you.

In terms of your questions, I think you're looking at a few issues here:

1) Your hormones are likely still all over the place, so give yourself some grace
2) you need stop the alcohol, except for special occasions. So that likely means no more than one drink per month.
3) You need to stop the desserts.
4) Your regular sized portions are likely too large. I would actually start counting your calories for a few weeks. I think you'll be surprised as to how much you're actually consuming. It's pretty eye-opening. I use the MyPlate app.

[Anonymous]

Start each meal with broth based soup

[Anonymous]

I think your body needs more time to heal. I’m sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

1. When do you go to sleep? you need at least 3 hours between the last meal/dessert and bedtime, do the math, and eat dinner earlier.
2. move your desert to another time, somewhere between breakfast and lunch. No sweets after dinner, just water/unsweetened tea

[Anonymous]

You didn’t say what you’re eating. If it’s junk, no surprises there.

[Anonymous]

Oh my gosh, give yourself a break, OP! Treat yourself with kindness you’ve been through a lot. And yes your hormones are probably jacked right now.

[Anonymous]

In order of likelihood:

1. Your hormones are unstable
2. Alcohol affects hormone regulation
3. You’re taking in too many calories